Xabi Alonso was drowned in beer as his Bayer Leverkusen players gate-crashed his post-match press conference after being crowned Bundesliga champions for the first time in their history.
Alonso was mid-answer when the door to the press room at the BayArena burst open with a number of his players, who chanted ‘champions’ as they proceeded to cover their manager in alcohol.
The Spaniard joined in with the celebrations and chanting, before returning to questions after his jubilant players had left the room.
The 42-year-old said he was incredibly proud to have led the club to their first-ever league title in his first full season in charge.
‘This is a very special moment for the club,’ Alonso said.
‘After 120 years, to win the Bundesliga for the first time is something extraordinary. The players performed, they were a top team together. I am so proud of all of them. For me, it’s an honor to work here.
‘Finally, we can say Bayer Leverkusen is the German champion. It’s a huge honor for all of us.
‘It was earned by the team, club, and fans. Everyone, all departments, was working and fighting for this title so we are a result of that hard work over many years.
‘This is a moment to enjoy and a huge success for this club. The first title is always special for everyone. So to be part of this history feels incredible.’
Leverkusen are now unbeaten in 43 games this season, have made the final of the German Cup, and are still in the Europa League.
‘Tomorrow we will celebrate,’ Alonso said. ‘We have the Europa League and the Cup. And also the Bundesliga, we still have not lost, so that could be super [to go unbeaten].’
Alonso, who committed his future to Leverkusen for at least one more season despite interest from Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, admitted he did not expect this season to go as well as it has.
‘I had no doubt it [coming to Leverkusen] could be a great step in my new career because it was my first station as a coach.
‘Last year helped me a lot, to come in a difficult situation, to prove so many things. It was a great first experience, hoping that the second year would be better, not expecting that good, but happy for it to be that good.’
